how dumb man can be

Quote: The words are from a long narrative poem, “The Brewing of Soma.” It describes Vedic priests going into the forest and drinking them­selves into a stupor with a concoction called “soma.” They try to have a religious experience and contact the spirit world. It is after set­ting that scene that Whittier draws his lesson: “Dear Lord, and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways…” This hymn is as relevant today as when it was written. In a modern context, it speaks to the drug culture, and those looking for an “experience” to prove the reality of God.